Nigeria is set to receive 24 M‑346 fighter jets from Italy as part of a major agreement signed with Italian defence firm Messrs Leonardo.
The deal, struck in November 2023, is reportedly worth around €1.2 billion and is believed to be the largest acquisition of military aircraft in West Africa.
Under the contract, Nigeria will also receive 25 years of logistical support, with Leonardo holding exclusive rights for maintenance operations.
The M‑346 aircraft is highly versatile, featuring seven external attachment points and the capacity to integrate both air‑to‑air and ground‑to‑air ammunition. It also supports sight pods that can be linked to helmet‑mounted displays for enhanced targeting and situational awareness.
The first six jets are currently under production in Italy. Three jets are expected to be delivered in 2025, with full deliveries scheduled to continue through mid‑2026.
At the time the purchase was made, the Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, said the acquisition would “bolster training capabilities and augment operational effectiveness in diverse mission scenarios.”
The introduction of the M‑346s is expected to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s ability to respond to a range of security challenges.
The aircraft purchase forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to enhance its security architecture. In particular, the jets are expected to support ongoing operations in the Northeast, where the military continues to battle Boko Haram militants and the Islamic State.
Beyond the northeast theatres, the jets are also seen as a boost in the fight against kidnappings and banditry affecting various parts of the country.